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What’s next for Carl Frampton after Cyclone split?


After weeks of speculation it has finally been confirmed – Carl Frampton [23(14)-1(0)] has left Barry McGuigan and Cyclone Promotions.

The Belfast former two-weight world champ has parted company with McGuigan, his manager since starting in the pros back in 2009, and will no longer be promoted by Cyclone.

The split also puts into question his partnership with trainer Shane McGuigan, son of Barry.

It’s a big move for Frampton, for whom the show must go on, and the question now is what is next for The Jackal?

Al Haymon
Most feel that a deeper link up with influential U.S. advisor Al Haymon is the next move for featherweight Frampton. The mysterious mogul is the powerhouse behind the Premier Boxing Champions venture. An adviser for Frampton since his fight with the late Alejandro Gonzalez Jr, many expect Haymon to become the Belfast man’s main manager.

Such a move would see Frampton appear on the regular PBC cards in America, run by affiliate promoters such as Lou DiBella, Tom Brown, Leon Margules, and Richard Schaefer. The link up would also give Frampton the freedom to fight at home on other promotions.

With three of the division’s four world champions being managed and/or advised by Haymon, the move would look to make the most sense in boxing terms.

The Belfast 30 year old heads to Las Vegas this week for the Mayweather-McGregor fight, and it is assumed that he will be engaging in talks while in Sin City.

Eddie Hearn
A rumour that just wont go away. Hearn and Matchroom Promotions have been rumoured to be in for ‘The Jackal’ since the night after his cancelled bout with Andres Gutierrez last month. Hearn has, on numerous occasions, stressed that there has been no contact between the two parties. However, the English promoter has admitted that he would be “absolutely” interested in re-signing Frampton.

That said, there is a genuine frostiness on the part of Frampton which came to the fore in the build up to his fight with Matchroom’s Scott Quigg last year. While the initially acrimony seemed to be between McGuigan and Hearn, Frampton certainly seems to dislike the Matchroom boss and whether this could be put to one side seems unlikely.

In addition, the past few years has shown Haymon-advised fighters Lee Selby and James DeGale struggle somewhat promotionally under Hearn, and it is understood that the Essex promoter is not fond of such arrangements.

Hayemaker Ringstar
A new venture from former two-weight champ David Haye and Swiss promoter Richard Schaefer. There are plenty of connections here, Frampton is a former gym mate of Haye under Shane McGuigan while Schaefer co-promoted the Leo Santa Cruz rematch.

This new outfit have TV dates on comedy channel Dave, and such a link-up would dovetail well in terms of Al Haymon and Frampton’s desire to fight in Belfast.

Frank Warren
Back in 2013-14, Cyclone and Warren were involved in a partnership for three Frampton fights, climaxing in the world title win against Kiko Martinez, and a return could make sense for all parties.

Much like Hayemaker Ringstar, a fight-to-fight UK promotional association with Warren and BT Sport/BoxNation would offer Frampton the chance to fight at home and provide the veteran promoter with a flagship fighter

Top Rank
Headquartered in Las Vegas, could Bob Arum’s boys give Frampton a call this week? While it seems hugely unlikely, Top Rank adding another Belfast fighter alongside Mick Conlan could help them build a base in the Titanic City.

An outfit keen on expansion, evidenced by their dalliances in Macau, a move into the lucrative UK and Ireland market may be something in Top Rank’s future, and Conlan and Frampton would be some place to start.

Mack The Knife Global
A managerial link-up that would see him join over 20 other Irish fighters. Should Frampton opt against joining with Haymon fully, a managerial deal with MTK to supplement a promotional agreement with a major promotional players is a possibility

Changing Trainer?
Frampton’s training situation is unclear at present. The Tigers Bay man is extremely close with Shane McGuigan, and a continuation of this relationship outside of the Cyclone Promotions stable, like George Groves and, previously, David Haye, is possible.

Should he leave McGuigan’s Gym it is assumed that Frampton will stay in Britain. A family man with a love of Belfast, it would be hard to fathom Frampton relocating his family to America, or leaving them at home for long periods while he trained Stateside

In Britain, Manchester trainer Joe Gallagher looks to be immediately off the table following the fractious build-up to the Quigg unification. Many see Adam Booth, coach of Frampton’s former training partner and fellow Belfast man Adam Booth as an early front runner. ‘The Dark Lord’ usually also fulfills the role of manager for his fighters, however he could perhaps agree to a less-involved role with ‘The Jackal.’

Other options include Dave Coldwell, who shares a great relationship with Frampton, while Gary Lockett in Wales is another rising trainer that could fit the Belfast man.

Waiting Game
With Frampton over in America this week, it will most likely be next week and after the Mayweather-McGregor media storm before we learn the make-up of his new team.

Who do you think Frampton will link up with now that he has left Cyclone?

gym trition

frayne carpentry

Joe O'Neill

Reporting on Irish boxing the past five years. Work has appeared on irish-boxing.com, Boxing News, the42.ie, and local and national media. Provide live ringside updates, occasional interviews, and special features on the future of Irish boxing. email: joneill6@tcd.ie

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